Slow Cooker Meatloaf Italian Style
Transform your weeknight dinners with this hearty and flavor-packed Slow Cooker Meatloaf Italian Style! This recipe combines juicy ground beef, savory Italian sausage, and classic Italian seasonings for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth meatloaf cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Infused with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, this dish is topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella for a comforting, cheesy finish. With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing all the work, this Italian twist on a comfort food classic is perfect for busy days. Serve it with a side of pasta or garlic bread to complete this effortless and satisfying meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 0.5 pounds Italian sausage (mild or hot, casing removed)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- olive oil or non-stick spray
Instructions
Prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing the inside with olive oil or non-stick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the center of the slow cooker.
Pour 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce over the meatloaf, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for later. Spread the sauce evenly over the top and sides of the loaf.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours, until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C).
When the meatloaf is done, carefully lift it out using a spatula or two large spoons, allowing any juices to drain off. Place it on a heatproof surface if your slow cooker insert does not broil.
Spread the remaining 1/2 cup marinara sauce over the top of the loaf and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across it.
If your slow cooker has a broil-safe insert, return the meatloaf to the insert and broil it (using the broil setting on the oven) for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, transfer the meatloaf to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil leaves for an added Italian touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3784 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 268.4 g | 344% | |
| Saturated Fat | 103.9 g | 520% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 986 mg | 329% | |
| Sodium | 8341 mg | 363% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 119.9 g | 44% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.7 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.3 g | ||
| Protein | 222.0 g | 444% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.1 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 1644 mg | 126% | |
| Iron | 23.5 mg | 131% | |
| Potassium | 2491 mg | 53% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
